Let me amoose you

Welcome to the Arctic Laughs Comedy Festival!

Arctic Laughs is the first-ever all English-language international stand up comedy festival in the Nordics. Performers include standup stars from Finland such as Ismo Leikola, André Wickström and Ali Jahangiri, and world-renowned stars Glenn Wool (CAN), Greg Proops (USA), Al Pitcher (NZ) and Isak Jansson (SWE). In total 27 professional and up-and-coming comics from around the world will ensure that you have the funniest time of your life! Book now for six dynamic and totally unique acts at the legendary Savoy Theatre in Helsinki, Finland on May 16th, 17th and 18th, 2014.

”Pitcher sits firmly in the improvising, rambling, freewheeling comedy camp inhabited by the likes of Ross Noble and Eddie Izzard. However, unlike both of them, Pitcher is one of the best-kept secrets on the comedy scene. He is a diamond as yet not hewn from the circuit rock. But it's only a matter of time.” Time Out 2008 Follow him on Twitter @thealpitcher Facebook

Ali's a fire-proof laughtercurse to the Finnish stand up -scene from Iran. During his performance, nobody's safe! Ali shoots in rapid fire his own thougths on family, stereotypes, relationships and thinking close-mindedly - without holding back on energy! Ali is an outrageously lovable potty-mouth, whos performance is guaranteed to make you laugh – maybe even think. Follow on Twitter @AliJahangiriFI Website

Andre is on the stage like a one-man theatre act, that escorts the audience into the depths of fine-honed comedy. This Finn-Swede has gathered experience from all over the Nordic Countries, and even New York. Andre owns the stage in his every show in a way that will make a stronger man weary because of laughter! Andre began his career in 1995 and is one of the most known comics in Finland. He makes people laugh in Finnish, Swedish and English.

Helenius strikes as hard as his boxer-namesake. Anders' gig goes like this: First this father-of-four's charm makes the audience drop its guard. Follows a series of heavier blows. Audience falls three times to the ground and a technical knock-out! ”It's a good thing that also this type of comedy is done” is a very common feedback from Anders' gig. Follow him on Twitter @anderstandup

Unforgettable and nothing like you've ever seen. Bahar Tokat is half Turkish, half Finnish, and all goth. Don't let her prestige sinister looks deceive you – beneath her corset lace lies a musical -loving fun world that will make you see things differently. Warning: Don't get into a fight with this gir! Follow her on Twitter @BaharTokat

The Beetlejuice on Finnish comedy scene – say his name three times – Lilius, Lilius, Lilius - and there he is, and he is unstoppable! Fredi's energy on the stage is palpable as he talks about the difference of languages, men and women, and his ”you're-gonna-die-soon” -watch! This 40-year-old world-traveller -comic will bring his own views on the world to the stage for everyone to hear – and also laugh at the absurdity of life! Follow him on Twitter @FLilius Facebook

Glenn Chasen is truly a delightful human being; spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes. In New York for six years, Glenn could be seen performing in such clubs as The Laugh Factory, Gotham Comedy Club, and The Comic Strip. Then, after escaping from America in 2012, Glenn brought the highest level of English Comedy to Finland... And, in addition to being an extremely funny comedian, Glenn Chasen is also one of the most humble men to have ever walked on the face of the earth.

Glenn began his comedy career in his hometown Vancouver in 1995, and after moving to London in 1998 quickly became one of the rising stars in the London and international comedy scene. Glenn has made people laugh and think all over the world with his unique style of comedy. Don't let his shaggy looks deceive you – beneath lies quiet wisdom that comes out as funny thoughts that are guaranteed to make you chuckle! Follow on Twitter @GlennWool

“Here he is, though, in front of a live audience each week, bravely recording some of the boldest comedy on the podcasting frontier right now.”
-Rolling Stone Magazine
Greg Proops is a stand up comic from San Francisco. He lives in Hollywood. It’s not that bad. Really. Greg is also one of the stars in the hit improv-tv-show ”Whose line is it anyway?”

Harri Soinila may look like a washed-up rock star but he has, in fact, no musical talent whatsoever. In his comedy, he will first make you think he is a horrible person, but in the end he turns it all upside down and you realize your initial assessment was actually pretty spot on.

The Tennessee-born Henric is a rising young gun in Finnish comedy, thriving on his unique(ly laconic) stage presence and sharp jokes. Having already headlined in Estonia and frequented several professional shows, Henric is starting to establish himself as a formidable force of comedy in the Finnish scene. Follow him on Twitter @chezekisgay

Igor ruins the stereotypes about Russia and discovers stereotypes about Britain and the West. Igor tells about his childhood in the Soviet Union, life in modern Russia and internationally. "Meerson is a wonderful comedian. He is the wise and funny Grandmother you always wanted. And he can shrug using only his face. Go see him or he will find you and complain. Bring soup" (Dylan Moran).

Isak Jansson is one of Swedens top international comedy acts. He has performed all over the world in places like Russia, India, South Africa, Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, UK, Estonia, China, etc.
His comedy style mixes observational comedy with an absurdist touch all in a high energy physical stage persona.
2013 he toured with his soloshow "It´s the Flourists Fault", that can be found on Spotify.

Isak is a rising 20-year old comic from Espoo, now in his 3rd year of doing comedy, mainly in the Helsinki area. He has performed all over Finland and Estonia in both English and Finnish, drawing comedy from his personal life and observations in a unique and energetic way. And some boob jokes.

He is from Finland and lives in Finland. He performs also in English. He has done shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and lots of gigs at various festivals and comedy clubs in different countries. “Leikola is a Scandinavian Mitch Hedberg; an oddball with a few extra twists.” *** -The List “An excellent ambassador for stand-up.” *** -ThreeWeeks

Johanna MacDonald will help you remember that your time here on earth is nasty, brutish, and short, and then she'll help you forget because you're laughing. Her favourite jokes are about kinky car rides and shark porn. She is Canadian and a gemini. Follow her on Twitter @happeningfish

At first glance Louis strikes you as a typical sun-drenched Australian. His enthusiasm makes you think that just a moment ago he had wrestled a crocodile, he is a fun guy with a ravenous appetite for life. He’s lived in 5 different countries which is kind of low by Australian standards.

Miska Kajanus is a surprising comic with a twisted way of looking at life. It's not easy to be in a relationship, to love, or even to choose what to eat. He also owns a mandolin what he sometimes plays. Miska has acted in Finnish TV shows and movies. He has also performed open mic at the Comedy Store Hollywood.

Nathaniel Davis was born in Canada, raised in France and spent eight years in London before following a Finnish Renaissance Woman back to her homeland. He used to want to be an anarchist warlord, but now would just settle for a ham sandwich. He likes HBO, being a history nerd (Mongol military tactics - hello!), faking knowledge of hip hop, and exploring the eternal battle between happiness and depression.

Abducted from Britain in 1977, Paul suffers terribly from Finlanditis - an incurable cultural disease that has rendered him silly in both Finnish and English. His CV stretches from radio, TV and amateur dramatics, to language materials and communications training but stand up is his pride and joy. Paul´s hobbies include standing too close to the mike and avoiding the occasional rotten egg.

The young Pietari is one of the promising up and comers in the Helsinki area. He is on a steady rise, performing his hilariously quirky style of comedy in both English and Finnish at acclaimed venues with increased frequency. Combining jokes, personal stories and silly faces, his unique comedy stylings are a nice breath of fresh and confusing air.

Ray Zambino is a one-liner joke machine from Glasgow, Scotland. Scottish comedian of the year semi-finalist 2013. Ray will amuse you with clever word play and a warm, confident stage presence. If you’re looking for a show packed full of puns from start to finish then Ray is the comedian you want see.

Rich began his stand up career in 1997 and has since performed through out Europe as well as in his native New York. In 2009 he was runner up at the London Bridge New Comedy Fringe Festival and has since become an occasional headliner on the UK comedy circuit. His comedy spans a wide range of topics and, when the mood hits, he may drag out the keyboard to perform a few comedy tunes as well. He does bar gigs, club gigs, corporate gigs and, as the warm up comic for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, arena gigs.

Riku is like a kettlebell - half an hour a day will do, because the abs can't take any more. This cheerfully mischievous comedian is like a funhouse – you'll never know what's behind the corner. And that's what makes the audience laugh until they cry. Follow him on Twitter @RikuSottinen

Rudi makes noises with his mouth. This voice-acrobat combines beatboxing with comedy elements, and the audience can't help but wonder ”is there really a horse in this room?” RudiRok has performed all over Finland (and also LA) in different comedy clubs, and also had the honor of opening a show for Michael Winslow in 2014. Rudi's performance is full of energy, rhythm, beat and style.

Shaz Rahman is a walking contradiction, a likeable prick and an idiot with wisdom beyond his therapy sessions. Being rejected asylum by all the countries he applied for, he has found his home in Helsinki and has been welcomed with open indifference. Perceptive, Intelligent and verbose are just some words he can pronounce. Please don’t expect any cuddles afterwards. Facebook